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Take it from the New York Post commerce team. Looking dasher is all about the details — and pristine, shining shoes make all the difference. Shoe Tree Plastic
Once you’ve tidied up your home, given your leather products some love, and organized your bathroom, this is the perfect time to reach into the deepest corners of your closet and dust off your favorite footwear.
Perhaps, you have a pair of fancy dress shoes, cowboy boots, or leather boots that need to be spic and span in time for holiday parties. Or, maybe you’d like to give a makeover to that pair of sneakers before hitting the gym for the new year — we’ve got all the cleaning tips you need.
The New York Post consulted expert Raheem Rademaker, the owner of Weekend Ritual sneaker cleaning service, for all of his shoe cleaning kit recommendations. Rademaker also answered many frequently asked questions about the shoe cleaning process.
For anyone who doesn’t have a lot of experience cleaning sneakers, Rademaker suggests starting with a soft bristle brush. “Medium and hard bristle brushes can cause damage to the sneaker’s materials if you don’t know which brush to use for certain fabrics or areas of the shoe,” he explains.
He also emphasizes the importance of using the right soap. Many of Weekend Ritual’s clients come for cleaning assistance because they tried to clean their own sneakers using a liquid soap that had dye, and the dye stained their sneakers. “Clear soaps that are free of any dye are the safest choice when cleaning sneakers,” notes Rademaker.
He adds that a regular towel or washcloth works fine for wiping off excess soap and water, but microfiber towels work best since they are the most absorbent. One more expert tip — according to Rademaker — invest in a shoe tree to help keep the shape of the sneaker, for an easier cleaning surface.
Rademaker has a few more pieces of advice for anyone cleaning their shoes. The most important consideration: the cleaning process is entirely dependent on the material of the shoe.
“When it comes to cleaning suede you want to use the least amount of water possible. Using lots of water can damage the suede and make the suede lose color,” he explains. “For leather, canvas, and knit, Reshoevn8r is the best sneaker cleaning solution. In my opinion, Reshoevn8r works better than other cleaning solutions at getting out stains and deep stubborn dirt.”
Rademaker recommends filling a bowl with water and cleaning solution, inserting shoe trees into the sneakers or shoes, and using the soft bristle brush to apply the cleaning solution. Once the shoes are cleaned, pat or wipe them dry with a microfiber towel.
Rademaker believes that using washing machines should be a last resort. “If you have a tough stain and you gave your sneakers a few rounds with a brush and cleaning solution and the stain is not budging, then you can see if the washing machine will give you better results.”
He also points out that cleaning sneakers with a brush and cleaning solution will provide a more detailed clean, versus putting sneakers in the washing machine — which will just give you a basic overall clean.
For Rademaker, putting shoes in the dryer is a firm no. “Do not put your sneakers in the dryer. The dryer can damage your sneakers in so many ways. Not only can the dryer make your sneakers lose their shape, but the heat from the dryer can dry out the glue in your sneakers and cause sole separation.”
Rademaker recommends three shoe cleaner brands for anyone looking to freshen up their footwear: Reshoevn8r, Angelus Suede, and Jason Markk. The New York Post shopping team has highlighted Rademaker’s suggestions, browsed other top brands, and scanned reviews to hand-select the top shoe cleaning kits and cleaners of 2023.
Take it from the expert. “This cleaning kit is great for anyone just starting to clean their own sneakers because it gives you everything you need to clean sneakers: cleaning solution, shoe trees, brushes, microfiber towel, and a laundry bag,” says Rademaker.
If you’re not quite willing to invest in an entire kit, try his standalone shoe-cleaning solution from Rademaker’s favorite shoe-cleaning brand. The all-purpose cleaner is good for up to 100 uses, so you shouldn’t have to worry about constant refills.
If you’re always on business trips or planning some 2024 vacations, a travel-ready shoe-cleaning kit might be your best bet. This compact clear bag houses all the shoe-cleaning accessories you could imagine. In addition to the basics (cleaner, brush, and double-sided towel), the kit also comes with wipes, a velour sponge, and a whitening cream for sneakers.
If simplicity is what you desire, follow the Shoozas method. This cleaning system offers a straightforward 3-step process. Reviewers have given this set an average of 4.8 stars. Many note that the added mat provides a convenient space for cleaning, and the waterproof pouch is perfect for storing all the cleaning tools.
Rademaker makes a point to consider a cleaning kit that brings out the best color in your shoes. “This is great for moisturizing and bringing color back to suede and nubuck,” he explains. The non-toxic formula is safe on all fabrics, and one of the more affordable options.
Consider another one of Rademaker’s top picks, the Jason Markk shoe cleaning kit. “This foam cleaner is great for when you are cleaning suede and nubuck and you don’t want to get the material too wet,” explains Rademaker. In addition to a gentle and effective cleaner, this kit comes with a durable breathable barrier that repels liquids and stains.
Jason Markk also brings you a more condensed kit for smaller projects. For just $10.00, test out the trial-sized bottle of the Premium Shoe Cleaner that cleans and conditions your shoes without harsh chemicals or abrasives.
We all love Revolve for its fashion, so it’s no surprise that the brand offers a shoe-cleaning solution. AttireCare’s plant-based formula will leave anyone admiring your shoes green with envy. This all-natural shoe cleaning kit is effective on leather, vinyl, cloth, suede, canvas, nubuck, and more.
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